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Our Bio
Xcelerated Performance is a performance enhancement organization dedicated to teaching the components of successful training to athletes who will use this knowledge throughout their careers. Directors Pat Gigante (KSI Coach, CSC, CPT) and Dan Kopcso (MS, CSCS, USAW Club Coach) have more than 14 years of combined experience preparing athletes for elite competition. With experience working in the NFL and with multiple NHL athletes, Pat and Dan have the knowledge and ability to help you discover your true potential. They enjoy developing young athletes into high school standouts and propelling them into the collegiate ranks and professional ranks.
Staff
Marten J. Vandervelde, CSCS
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Marten has been with Xcelerated Performance since its birth in 2008, and has worked closely with Dan and Pat for over four years at Tufts University. With extensive experience with high school athletes, college elites, and elderly clients over the recent years at Tufts and XP, Marten easily gels with the co-owners, but also brings with him an athletic philosophy that rounds off and supplements that of Dan and Pat.
Marten, a Wisconsin native, graduated from Tufts University in 2008 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. During his sophomore, junior, and senior years, Marten worked as a personal trainer and interned in the Strength and Conditioning Department at Tufts; after graduation, he was promoted to a Strength Coaching Assistant. In June of 2008, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and will begin a masters program in Exercise Science in the fall of 2009.
marten@xceleratedperformance.com
Lisa Zappala
Strength and Conditioning
A 2008 graduate of Boston College, Lisa received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse in the state of Massachusetts. During her collegiate years, she worked extensively at BC’s Flynn Recreation Complex as a Group Exercise Instructor and a Fitness Attendant, teaching a wide range of classes to students, faculty, and community members. Lisa became a Certified Personal Trainer through AFPA in 2004, and is currently an AFAA certified group exercise instructor. She was employed by the Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, and has valuable experience working with burn injuries, rehabilitation, and orthopedics.
Lisa was a four-year Medford High School varsity athlete and captain of the swim and women’s lacrosse teams. She also coached the Malden Pop Warner National Cheerleading finalists in 2002 and 2003. Lisa has always had a passion for sports and athletics in general, and thoroughly enjoys training athletes of all ages individually and in the team setting. She is currently doing a work study at Tufts University.
Joe Zappala
Strength and Conditioning
A 2006 graduate from Yale University, Joe is currently in his third year as a professional hockey player. During his tenure, he was named Rookie of the Week, three-time ECAC Player of the week, USCHO Player of the week, and named to the All-ECAC and All-Ivy league all-star teams and captained the team. He led his team in scoring during the 2003-2004 season, and scored 9 game winning goals out of his team’s twelve wins that season, leading the country in the category and coming one shy of an all-time NCAA record. He received 2nd-team All ECAC for his efforts, and was named a semi-finalist for the Walter Brown Award, given annually to the best New England born collegiate player. Arguably his greatest feat in college, however, came in being named the All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year from the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2005. He also was selected for the ECAC All-Academic team every year of eligibility, requiring one to maintain a 3.0 GPA for three consecutive semesters.
Joe has worked with athletes of all ages, skill level, and sport - both on and off the ice, as well as in the gym - to bring out the best in every athlete. He also has extensive experience with synthetic ice training. Joe and Pat grew up together in Medford, and have enjoyed working together and developing programs for various athletic teams and individuals. Joe’s commitment and determination to athletics and his love for hockey has brought him to where he is today.
Doug Kopcso, M Ed
Strength and Conditioning
Doug is the head strength and conditioning coach at Needham High School. In addition to teaching English and Literature he is the head freshman football coach and responsible for the linebackers on the varsity squad. Doug has interned at Bentley College leading linebacker drills and assisting with their weight training. Doug was a football and track captain in high school, and captained his college rugby team to a 2nd place finish in the North East Conference. Doug continues his athletic career competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is currently training for a half marathon.
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